The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has firmly denied claims of a secret meeting between its leadership and Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, concerning the association’s leadership transition.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the NANS Senate President, Akinteye Babatunde, described the allegations as baseless, divisive, and lacking evidence, reaffirming the association’s commitment to transparency and democratic principles.
The allegations, made by Comrade Jubril Batuta, suggested that Seyi Tinubu attempted to influence the forthcoming NANS leadership transition. Babatunde dismissed these claims, calling them “bereft of empirical evidence” and aimed at creating discord, tarnishing reputations, and undermining the association’s credibility.
“These allegations, bereft of empirical evidence, are a deliberate attempt to sow discord, malign personalities, and undermine the credibility of our esteemed association,” Babatunde emphasized.
Babatunde reiterated that the leadership transition process in NANS is governed by its constitution and managed by the Independent NANS Convention Planning Committee (INANS-CPC). This body ensures adherence to electoral guidelines, maintaining transparency and integrity in the process.
“It is inconceivable for any external entity, regardless of influence, to subvert the association’s democratic process or impose candidates,” Babatunde stated.
He also dismissed claims of ethnic bias and the alleged “Yorubanisation” of the leadership process, calling such assertions inflammatory and counterproductive to the values of unity and inclusiveness upheld by NANS.
Babatunde urged aspirants and stakeholders to focus on presenting their manifestos and engaging with students rather than spreading baseless accusations.
“The NANS Constitution enshrines principles of geopolitical zoning, fairness, and meritocracy. Any aspirant found to be ineligible or in contravention of the rules will be duly disqualified by the INANS-CPC,” he asserted.
The association reaffirmed its autonomy, emphasizing that no individual or group could override the collective will of Nigerian students. Babatunde called on all aspirants to respect the unity and credibility of NANS by refraining from propagating unverified claims.
As the leadership transition progresses, NANS pledged to conduct free, fair, and credible elections while upholding its core values of transparency, inclusivity, and accountability.
